Thorpe Bay is ‘station of the future’

Peter Brown

July 24, 2012

A new approach to customer relations has been unveiled by C2C at Thorpe Bay, on the Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street route, where, among many other innovations, staff are no longer protected by a screen.

Managing director Julian Drury said this move was among other suggestions that have been implemented following surveys by passengers who revealed they would feel safer without obstacles such as full-length screens between them and ticket office staff in what is being described as the ‘smart station’ concept.

He said: ‘This is the station of the future, based on research among passengers. They were the ones who wanted an open counter. It is a new concept for the rail industry that breaks down the barriers between customers and staff.

‘It also gives passengers more freedom to serve themselves while retaining the traditional booking office option for those who wish to use it. This station has more customer information, more ticket machines and is ready for smart ticketing.’

MP for Rochford and Southend East, James Duddridge, described it as being ‘gorgeous, airy, light and bright’ when he opened the revamped station on Wednesday 18 July. Also at the ceremony was 81-year-old Jim Snelling, who worked at the station in 1946.